Amano Iwato Shrine

天岩戸神社

/ Amano Iwato Jinja

Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
¥300
Hours
8:30–17:00

Overview

This shrine sits across a ravine from the actual cave where, according to Japan's creation myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid after her brother Susanoo's violent behavior, plunging the world into darkness. The cave (Amano Iwato) is the shrine's goshintai and can only be viewed on guided tours led by shrine priests. The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave, where the gods gathered to plan how to coax Amaterasu out, is a deeply atmospheric stone-stacked grotto.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

Goddess of the sun, supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, and ancestral kami of the Imperial house

Blessings

Did You Know?

💡

The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave — where the gods gathered to plan how to lure Amaterasu out — is filled with thousands of visitor-stacked stones.

Source: tradition

In Pop Culture

game / 2006
Okami
Fan Connection (Strong)

Amanoiwato Shrine in Miyazaki. Directly connected to the Amaterasu cave myth (Amano-Iwato) that is central to the game's narrative.

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

32.7569, 131.2606

Physical Address

1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki 882-1621

〒882-1621 宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町岩戸1073-1

Hours

8:30–17:00

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Related Shrines

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Amano Iwato Shrine?

This shrine sits across a ravine from the actual cave where, according to Japan's creation myth, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid after her brother Susanoo's violent behavior, plunging the world into darkness. The cave (Amano Iwato) is the shrine's goshintai and can only be viewed on guided tours led by shrine priests. The nearby Amano Yasukawara cave, where the gods gathered to plan how to coax Amaterasu out, is a deeply atmospheric stone-stacked grotto.

Where is Amano Iwato Shrine located?

Amano Iwato Shrine is located in Takachiho, Miyazaki. The full address is: 1073-1 Iwato, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki 882-1621.

What deities are enshrined at Amano Iwato Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: Amaterasu Omikami.

What blessings can you pray for at Amano Iwato Shrine?

Amano Iwato Shrine is known for: General Prosperity, Good Fortune, Warding Off Evil.

Can I get a goshuin (temple seal) at Amano Iwato Shrine?

Yes, goshuin are available. The fee is ¥300.